Our Stories
At CUA, We Celebrate Saying “Yes”
We’re on a mission to help people achieve what matters most, no matter where they are in life. Your goals are the only goals. Whether it’s buying a home, eliminating debt, starting a business or doing more with the money you already have, CUA takes pride in finding a way forward. If you’re thinking about a new banking option, look no further. And if you’re a current CUA member, share your story by emailing mystory@cua.com or using #MyCUAstory on social media.
Member Stories
Don't take it from us. Hear it from those we serve:
Meet Ashley
If you’re recently engaged and looking for a fun, inclusive and affordable alternative to a traditional wedding venue, look no further than the micro-wedding ceremonies offered at Happily Hitched Halifax.
Meet Kelly-Jo
Easy Street Diner co-owner Kelly-Jo Beck explains how they cater to folks with dietary challenges, and the importance of 'finding your people' as a small business owner.
Meet Fantanesh
In 2023, Fantanesh applied to CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program with the goal of delivering a health and self-care program to BIPOC and other marginalized communities.
Meet Lauren
With Burning Flame Candle Company's custom and private labels, you can use scents to both shape your atmosphere and define your brand.
Meet Mark
In 2022, Halifax Surf School received $4,500 from CUA's Community Investment Grant Program to increase available cold-water rental inventory and expand their rental season.
Meet Noah
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his university experience, CUA member Noah saw an opportunity to pursue an entrepreneurship venture of his own with Oakhill Outdoor.
Meet Mike
For over 20 years, business owner and franchisee Mike Donald has been serving happiness to others with Dairy Queen's frozen treats. Having CUA by his side has made a big difference.
Meet Jake
Since moving to Nova Scotia from Lebanon in 1985, Jake Tohme has owned mutiple businesses throughout the HRM, from pizza shops to his current floral shop.
Meet Dawn and Ryan
In 2022, Breaking Circus received a $7,500 grant to integrate a 'mât chinois' into their interactive and immersive circus experiences.
Meet Sam
With help from CUA's Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, Sam was able to open Kids Physio, a physiotherapy clinic that's just for kids.
Meet Tia
Since launching in 2020, the objective of Blk Women in Excellence has been to educate, encourage and inspire Black women entrepreneurs.
Meet Brittany and Hamzeh
For local spin studio Just Cycle, breaking down barriers and making spin inclusive to all is the key to their success.
Meet Spencer House Senior Centre
Through CUA's Community Investment Grant Program the Garden Club formed, meeting weekly to grow vegetables and connect.
Meet Chelsey
2022 Community Investment Grant recipient Hive to Home hopes to change consumer waste habits with beeswax wraps, a reusable alternative to single-use items like plastic wrap.
Meet New Scotland Brewing Co.
Discover how the New Scotland Brewing partnership formed and their experience banking with CUA as small business.
Meet Julie
South Shore Sexual Health received a $5,000 Community Investment Grant from CUA in 2021. See how CUA has impacted the Centre's TransFORMATION Closet program.
Meet Rebecca
By banking with CUA, Rebecca was able to focus on her beautiful designs and growing her business, Paper Chain Stationery.
Meet John
John Drisdelle of Century Computer has been working with computers since they've been big enough to fill a room. CUA has been with him every step of the way.
Meet Lindsay
When she was starting the Floatation Centre, Lindsay was looking for a banking partner that believed in her vision.
Meet Paul
With a small business loan from CUA, Paul was able to grow his detailing business and gain recognition around the world.
Meet Le Bistro by Liz
Liz Ingram-Chambers revived Le Bistro in 2011. Working with CUA, she secured financing to purchase kitchen equipment and open on schedule.
Meet Jason
Combining his passion for scuba diving with his knowledge of business, Jason Weickert has found success for Torpedo Rays through developing personal connections.
Meet Dennis and Melissa
Dennis and Melissa Mbeba have found success together in their business and in their life as a family.
Meet Abady
Abady Alzahrani started dancing in his early 20s. That soon led him to follow his passion for dance and open House of Eights Dance Studio in 2019.
Meet Terrilee
Terrilee Bulger has worked in the book industry since she was 15. She now owns Nimbus Publishing, the largest English-language publisher and book distributor east of Toronto.
Meet North Brewing
With a shared purpose and values, North Brewing knew CUA would help foster and grow that community and be more than a financial partner.
Meet Maher
For over 20 years, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort has been many Nova Scotian families' favourite campground.
Meet Matthew
MacKenzie Atlantic transformed from one man and his machine, to one of the largest manufacturing & CNC machine shops in Atlantic Canada.
Meet Justin and Scott
After operating Evergreen Electric for five years, electricians Justin and Scott were ready to grow their business.
Meet Seagull Cabinets
Even though they knew they had a winning idea, Seagull Cabinets had a hard time convincing the big banks. CUA saw their vision.
Meet Dan
Dan has built a company that is gaining momentum and winning awards. But building a growing company requires leaning on partners like CUA.
Meet Darrell
With help from CUA, Darrell was able to start a business that helped him spend more time with family and happily serve ice cream.
Meet Hana
Hana Nelson observed consumers having trouble finding access to fresh, sustainable seafood. With help from CUA, she did something about it.
Meet Ambroise
Ambroise moved to Halifax over 40 years ago and dreamed of owning a home by the time he turned 50. With CUA, he achieved that dream.
Meet Ray and David
"We just needed a bank account and a debit machine, but we kept hearing 'no' until we went to CUA. CUA stepped up when we needed them."
Meet Craig
Over 30 years ago, a business was born from a passion to serve the community. Today, Craig Walker proudly carries on his family legacy.
Meet Emma and Marc
It didn’t take long before Emma and Marc said goodbye to roommates, packed up their belongings and moved to an apartment on a mission.
Meet the Odufuyes
Paul and Blessing and their three sons moved to Canada and set their sights on finding a place to call home. CUA found a way to say ‘yes’.
Meet Lawrence
Twenty two years ago, Lawrence had a vision of starting an armored car service with two guys and a truck. CUA’s been there since the start.
Meet Ashley
If you’re recently engaged and looking for a fun, inclusive and affordable alternative to a traditional wedding venue, look no further than the micro-wedding ceremonies offered at Happily Hitched Halifax.
Meet Kelly-Jo
Easy Street Diner co-owner Kelly-Jo Beck explains how they cater to folks with dietary challenges, and the importance of 'finding your people' as a small business owner.
Meet Fantanesh
In 2023, Fantanesh applied to CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program with the goal of delivering a health and self-care program to BIPOC and other marginalized communities.
Meet Lauren
With Burning Flame Candle Company's custom and private labels, you can use scents to both shape your atmosphere and define your brand.
Meet Mark
In 2022, Halifax Surf School received $4,500 from CUA's Community Investment Grant Program to increase available cold-water rental inventory and expand their rental season.
Meet Noah
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his university experience, CUA member Noah saw an opportunity to pursue an entrepreneurship venture of his own with Oakhill Outdoor.
Meet Mike
For over 20 years, business owner and franchisee Mike Donald has been serving happiness to others with Dairy Queen's frozen treats. Having CUA by his side has made a big difference.
Meet Jake
Since moving to Nova Scotia from Lebanon in 1985, Jake Tohme has owned mutiple businesses throughout the HRM, from pizza shops to his current floral shop.
Meet Dawn and Ryan
In 2022, Breaking Circus received a $7,500 grant to integrate a 'mât chinois' into their interactive and immersive circus experiences.
Meet Sam
With help from CUA's Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, Sam was able to open Kids Physio, a physiotherapy clinic that's just for kids.
Meet Tia
Since launching in 2020, the objective of Blk Women in Excellence has been to educate, encourage and inspire Black women entrepreneurs.
Meet Brittany and Hamzeh
For local spin studio Just Cycle, breaking down barriers and making spin inclusive to all is the key to their success.
Meet Spencer House Senior Centre
Through CUA's Community Investment Grant Program the Garden Club formed, meeting weekly to grow vegetables and connect.
Meet Chelsey
2022 Community Investment Grant recipient Hive to Home hopes to change consumer waste habits with beeswax wraps, a reusable alternative to single-use items like plastic wrap.
Meet New Scotland Brewing Co.
Discover how the New Scotland Brewing partnership formed and their experience banking with CUA as small business.
Meet Julie
South Shore Sexual Health received a $5,000 Community Investment Grant from CUA in 2021. See how CUA has impacted the Centre's TransFORMATION Closet program.
Meet Rebecca
By banking with CUA, Rebecca was able to focus on her beautiful designs and growing her business, Paper Chain Stationery.
Meet John
John Drisdelle of Century Computer has been working with computers since they've been big enough to fill a room. CUA has been with him every step of the way.
Meet Lindsay
When she was starting the Floatation Centre, Lindsay was looking for a banking partner that believed in her vision.
Meet Paul
With a small business loan from CUA, Paul was able to grow his detailing business and gain recognition around the world.
Meet Le Bistro by Liz
Liz Ingram-Chambers revived Le Bistro in 2011. Working with CUA, she secured financing to purchase kitchen equipment and open on schedule.
Meet Jason
Combining his passion for scuba diving with his knowledge of business, Jason Weickert has found success for Torpedo Rays through developing personal connections.
Meet Dennis and Melissa
Dennis and Melissa Mbeba have found success together in their business and in their life as a family.
Meet Abady
Abady Alzahrani started dancing in his early 20s. That soon led him to follow his passion for dance and open House of Eights Dance Studio in 2019.
Meet Terrilee
Terrilee Bulger has worked in the book industry since she was 15. She now owns Nimbus Publishing, the largest English-language publisher and book distributor east of Toronto.
Meet North Brewing
With a shared purpose and values, North Brewing knew CUA would help foster and grow that community and be more than a financial partner.
Meet Maher
For over 20 years, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort has been many Nova Scotian families' favourite campground.
Meet Matthew
MacKenzie Atlantic transformed from one man and his machine, to one of the largest manufacturing & CNC machine shops in Atlantic Canada.
Meet Justin and Scott
After operating Evergreen Electric for five years, electricians Justin and Scott were ready to grow their business.
Meet Seagull Cabinets
Even though they knew they had a winning idea, Seagull Cabinets had a hard time convincing the big banks. CUA saw their vision.
Meet Dan
Dan has built a company that is gaining momentum and winning awards. But building a growing company requires leaning on partners like CUA.
Meet Darrell
With help from CUA, Darrell was able to start a business that helped him spend more time with family and happily serve ice cream.
Meet Hana
Hana Nelson observed consumers having trouble finding access to fresh, sustainable seafood. With help from CUA, she did something about it.
Meet Ambroise
Ambroise moved to Halifax over 40 years ago and dreamed of owning a home by the time he turned 50. With CUA, he achieved that dream.
Meet Ray and David
"We just needed a bank account and a debit machine, but we kept hearing 'no' until we went to CUA. CUA stepped up when we needed them."
Meet Craig
Over 30 years ago, a business was born from a passion to serve the community. Today, Craig Walker proudly carries on his family legacy.
Meet Emma and Marc
It didn’t take long before Emma and Marc said goodbye to roommates, packed up their belongings and moved to an apartment on a mission.
Meet the Odufuyes
Paul and Blessing and their three sons moved to Canada and set their sights on finding a place to call home. CUA found a way to say ‘yes’.
Meet Lawrence
Twenty two years ago, Lawrence had a vision of starting an armored car service with two guys and a truck. CUA’s been there since the start.
Staff Stories
At CUA, we pride ourselves on knowing our customers and having customers get to know our staff, including those who look after the day-to-day operations of our branches. We're sitting down with our staff, one by one, to help you can get to know them as well.
Meet Galyna
As a Financial Services Representative at our Annex Branch, Galyna tells us about the importance of supporting others, and her love for travelling and trying new things.
Meet David
As a Financial Services Representative at our Spryfield Branch, David tells us about growing up in Peru, his love of fitness and volunteering and what brought him back to banking after a career change to the travel industry.
Meet Evan
As a Financial Services Representative at our Annex Branch, Evan tells us about the value of team work and his passion for the local music scene.
Meet Jaiden
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Jaiden tells us about his love of economics and finance, snowboarding and providing exceptional service to members.
Meet Mary
As the Branch Administrator at our Annex Branch, Mary tells us about growing up in New Brunswick, spending time with family, and the importance of an emergency fund for life’s surprises.
Meet Tharushi
As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Tharushi tells us about the importance of saving and investing, thinking outside the box and her shoe collection.
Meet Sanket
As the Branch Manager at our Wyse Road Branch, Sanket shares his professional experience in marketing and banking, walks us through a regular workday, and shares his love of cooking.
Meet Colin
As a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, Collin shares the importance of building trust in relationships with members, his love for cooking, and his passion for the outdoors.
Meet Ross
As a Financial Advisor at our South Park Street Branch, Ross shares his lifelong interest in financial literacy, advice he thinks every member should follow as well as his love of golf.
Meet Jordan
As a Small Business Advisor with the Commercial Team, Jordan tells us about the best part of his job at CUA, which is helping members reach their goals, as well as his love of music, including playing and teaching drums.
Meet Kelly
As a Financial Services Representative at our Pleasant Street Branch, Kelly tells us about playing “bank teller” as a child, her love of thrifting and the importance of a good relationship with your financial institution.
Meet Jacquie
As the Branch Manager at our Cole Harbour Branch, Jacquie tells us about her Colorado upbringing, her volunteer work, as well as what drew her to join the CUA team.
Meet Lynn
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Lynn tells us about her various roles at CUA over nearly 22 years, as well as her favourite pastimes and hobbies.
Meet Natasha
As a Financial Services Representative at our Spryfield Branch, Natashia shares her favourite piece of financial advice, as well as what she loves about her role at CUA: member interactions and opportunities to volunteer with the rest of the Spryfield team!
Meet Lori
In this month’s staff profile, Branch Administrator Lori Buhlman tells us about her various roles at CUA and her passion for photography.
Meet Sally
In this month’s staff profile, Financial Services Representative Sally Williams shares details about her community work and financial advice that everyone should follow.
Meet Michelle
In this month’s staff profile, Michelle tells us about her extensive career in the financial sector, and what she loves about her role as a Financial Services Representative at CUA.
Meet Angela
In this staff profile, Angela tells us about her role as a Small Business Advisor and her love of song writing.
Meet Kelly
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Kelly tells us about her Illinois roots and her love of chasing waterfalls. Learn more about Kelly and her role at CUA.
Meet Danny
As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Danny tells us about his work in the local music scene, his love for Italian cooking, and how he strives to help others improve their financial literacy.
Meet Eryn
As a Financial Service Representative at CUA’s Spryfield Branch, Eryn shares with us how she joined CUA for the company culture and her passion for photography.
Meet Laura
With an extensive background in the financial sector, Laura Doane joined the CUA team seven years ago. As a Financial Advisor, she shares with us the highlights of her role, her financial advice and her community work.
Meet Brett
As a Financial Services Representative in our Customer Contact Centre, Brett strives to support members by problem solving.
Meet Adam
Adam recently joined CUA as the South Park Street Branch Manager. Learn about him in this month's staff profile.
Meet Rose
Over the course of her career at CUA, Rose, a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, has always prioritized developing a strong rapport with her clients.
Meet Bob
With an extensive career in the banking industry, Bob uses his experience and expertise to support CUA’s Commercial team.
Meet Derya
Derya joined the CUA team in 2021. With over 22 years in banking, Derya is experienced in wealth management, accounting, and branch management. She is currently the Branch Manager of the Tantallon location.
Meet Carol
Carol celebrated seven years with CUA in 2021. She is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative.
Meet Matthew
Matthew joined CUA in 2021 as the Branch Manager of our Spryfield location. With over six years of experience in the financial industry, Matthew is a skilled leader with a passion for bettering his community.
Meet Tracy
Tracy joined the CUA team in 1996 and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative at our Wyse Road Branch.
Meet Johanna
Johanna is the Branch Manager for both the South Park Street and Wyse Road branches. With decades of experience in leading others, she brings her passion for helping her team reach their full potential.
Meet Russell
Russell joined the CUA team nearly 35 years ago and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative in the Customer Contact Centre.
Meet Brad
Brad joined the CUA team in 2018. He is currently in the role of Commercial Account Manager where you can find him helping our members.
Meet Doe
Doe joined the CUA team in 2020. She is a Small Business Advisor who loves helping individuals achieve financial well-being.
Meet Ella
Ella has been a member of the CUA team for over 29 years. She is an Account Manager who loves helping individuals meet their financial goals.
Meet Tasha
Tasha has been a member of the CUA team for nearly two decades and has held various positions within the organization. Most recently, she joined the Commercial team and you can find her supporting our small business members.
Meet Shawna
Shawna has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and is passionate about helping people. You can find her at our Annex Branch working as a Financial Advisor.
Meet Caroline
Caroline has devoted more than 35 years to the financial industry. You can find her at the Cole Harbour branch, helping her team and her customers achieve their financial goals.
Meet Scott
Scott joined the CUA team in 2012 and is CUA’s Vice President, Member Services. Scott provides leadership to all eight branches, the CUA Commercial Centre, Customer Contact Centre, and CUA’s wealth management portfolio.
Meet Mike
With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions from Toronto to Halifax, he brings his passion for helping others reach their financial goals to the office everyday.
Meet Myra
With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions of all sizes she has dedicated her career to helping others make their financial goals a reality.
Meet Galyna
As a Financial Services Representative at our Annex Branch, Galyna tells us about the importance of supporting others, and her love for travelling and trying new things.
Meet David
As a Financial Services Representative at our Spryfield Branch, David tells us about growing up in Peru, his love of fitness and volunteering and what brought him back to banking after a career change to the travel industry.
Meet Evan
As a Financial Services Representative at our Annex Branch, Evan tells us about the value of team work and his passion for the local music scene.
Meet Jaiden
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Jaiden tells us about his love of economics and finance, snowboarding and providing exceptional service to members.
Meet Mary
As the Branch Administrator at our Annex Branch, Mary tells us about growing up in New Brunswick, spending time with family, and the importance of an emergency fund for life’s surprises.
Meet Tharushi
As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Tharushi tells us about the importance of saving and investing, thinking outside the box and her shoe collection.
Meet Sanket
As the Branch Manager at our Wyse Road Branch, Sanket shares his professional experience in marketing and banking, walks us through a regular workday, and shares his love of cooking.
Meet Colin
As a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, Collin shares the importance of building trust in relationships with members, his love for cooking, and his passion for the outdoors.
Meet Ross
As a Financial Advisor at our South Park Street Branch, Ross shares his lifelong interest in financial literacy, advice he thinks every member should follow as well as his love of golf.
Meet Jordan
As a Small Business Advisor with the Commercial Team, Jordan tells us about the best part of his job at CUA, which is helping members reach their goals, as well as his love of music, including playing and teaching drums.
Meet Kelly
As a Financial Services Representative at our Pleasant Street Branch, Kelly tells us about playing “bank teller” as a child, her love of thrifting and the importance of a good relationship with your financial institution.
Meet Jacquie
As the Branch Manager at our Cole Harbour Branch, Jacquie tells us about her Colorado upbringing, her volunteer work, as well as what drew her to join the CUA team.
Meet Lynn
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Lynn tells us about her various roles at CUA over nearly 22 years, as well as her favourite pastimes and hobbies.
Meet Natasha
As a Financial Services Representative at our Spryfield Branch, Natashia shares her favourite piece of financial advice, as well as what she loves about her role at CUA: member interactions and opportunities to volunteer with the rest of the Spryfield team!
Meet Lori
In this month’s staff profile, Branch Administrator Lori Buhlman tells us about her various roles at CUA and her passion for photography.
Meet Sally
In this month’s staff profile, Financial Services Representative Sally Williams shares details about her community work and financial advice that everyone should follow.
Meet Michelle
In this month’s staff profile, Michelle tells us about her extensive career in the financial sector, and what she loves about her role as a Financial Services Representative at CUA.
Meet Angela
In this staff profile, Angela tells us about her role as a Small Business Advisor and her love of song writing.
Meet Kelly
As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Kelly tells us about her Illinois roots and her love of chasing waterfalls. Learn more about Kelly and her role at CUA.
Meet Danny
As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Danny tells us about his work in the local music scene, his love for Italian cooking, and how he strives to help others improve their financial literacy.
Meet Eryn
As a Financial Service Representative at CUA’s Spryfield Branch, Eryn shares with us how she joined CUA for the company culture and her passion for photography.
Meet Laura
With an extensive background in the financial sector, Laura Doane joined the CUA team seven years ago. As a Financial Advisor, she shares with us the highlights of her role, her financial advice and her community work.
Meet Brett
As a Financial Services Representative in our Customer Contact Centre, Brett strives to support members by problem solving.
Meet Adam
Adam recently joined CUA as the South Park Street Branch Manager. Learn about him in this month's staff profile.
Meet Rose
Over the course of her career at CUA, Rose, a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, has always prioritized developing a strong rapport with her clients.
Meet Bob
With an extensive career in the banking industry, Bob uses his experience and expertise to support CUA’s Commercial team.
Meet Derya
Derya joined the CUA team in 2021. With over 22 years in banking, Derya is experienced in wealth management, accounting, and branch management. She is currently the Branch Manager of the Tantallon location.
Meet Carol
Carol celebrated seven years with CUA in 2021. She is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative.
Meet Matthew
Matthew joined CUA in 2021 as the Branch Manager of our Spryfield location. With over six years of experience in the financial industry, Matthew is a skilled leader with a passion for bettering his community.
Meet Tracy
Tracy joined the CUA team in 1996 and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative at our Wyse Road Branch.
Meet Johanna
Johanna is the Branch Manager for both the South Park Street and Wyse Road branches. With decades of experience in leading others, she brings her passion for helping her team reach their full potential.
Meet Russell
Russell joined the CUA team nearly 35 years ago and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative in the Customer Contact Centre.
Meet Brad
Brad joined the CUA team in 2018. He is currently in the role of Commercial Account Manager where you can find him helping our members.
Meet Doe
Doe joined the CUA team in 2020. She is a Small Business Advisor who loves helping individuals achieve financial well-being.
Meet Ella
Ella has been a member of the CUA team for over 29 years. She is an Account Manager who loves helping individuals meet their financial goals.
Meet Tasha
Tasha has been a member of the CUA team for nearly two decades and has held various positions within the organization. Most recently, she joined the Commercial team and you can find her supporting our small business members.
Meet Shawna
Shawna has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and is passionate about helping people. You can find her at our Annex Branch working as a Financial Advisor.
Meet Caroline
Caroline has devoted more than 35 years to the financial industry. You can find her at the Cole Harbour branch, helping her team and her customers achieve their financial goals.
Meet Scott
Scott joined the CUA team in 2012 and is CUA’s Vice President, Member Services. Scott provides leadership to all eight branches, the CUA Commercial Centre, Customer Contact Centre, and CUA’s wealth management portfolio.
Meet Mike
With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions from Toronto to Halifax, he brings his passion for helping others reach their financial goals to the office everyday.
Meet Myra
With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions of all sizes she has dedicated her career to helping others make their financial goals a reality.